Hydrogenated Castor Oil Uses

• Hydrogenated castor oil lends a desirable level of waxiness to certain products. Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images

  Hydrogenated castor oil, also known as castor wax, is a hard waxy substance that forms when castor oil chemically combines with hydrogen. The resulting wax takes the form of white flakes that are almost completely odorless. Because hydrogenated castor oil is compatible with most animal, vegetable and mineral waxes, as well as many natural and synthetic resins, it is used in a surprisingly disparate variety of products.

Cosmetics and Toiletries

• When a waxy element is needed in a cosmetic product, hydrogenated castor oil is frequently used. It is also utilized for its thickening and moisturizing abilities. Eyeliner pencils, lotions, facial creams and lipsticks often contain hydrogenated castor oil. Toiletries containing hydrogenated castor oil include body washes, liquid soaps and antiperspirants.

Automotive Maintenance

• Hydrogenated castor oil is used in auto maintenance products such as motor oil and automotive refinish acrylics. It is also used in an automotive capacity as a component of various auto parts lubricants, coatings and greases to ensure smooth, proper mechanical functioning. In this capacity, hydrogenated castor oil-based machine lubricants are also used regularly in the aviation industry.

  Another contributing factor to the widespread use of hydrogenated castor oil in motor oils, automotive refinishing products and lubricants is its ability to repel moisture and other petrochemical products.

Writing Utensils and Paper

• The same waxy element that makes hydrogenated castor oil a valuable cosmetic additive also makes it a valuable component of colored pencils and crayons. This waxiness is also a useful ingredient in the production of carbon paper. It is also used in melt adhesives, which are used in the packaging of books.

Industrial Uses

• Hydrogenated castor oil is used to reduce the viscosity of industrial paints, coatings, inks, sealants and adhesives. Specifically, the inclusion of hydrogenated castor oil in industrial substances allows the substance to become more liquefied when shaken. This chemical process is known as thixotropy. When the substance is not in use for extended periods of time, the substance can go back to a coagulated, semi-solid state.